A number of ships will be converted to quarantine facilities for individuals possibly affected by COVID-19 as a private company let the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) use two of its vessels.
The facility, which will prioritize seafarers and OFWs required to undergo 14-day quarantine. has the capacity to take 600 to 700 suspected COVID-19 patients.
“Meron tayong pinaghahandaan na seafarers na 20 to 70 thousand na going home. Nakikita natin na kailangang maforce quarantine sila… na COVID-free na sila (We are preparing for 20 to 70 thousand seafarers about to go home. We deem it necessary that they undergo quarantine, and that they are COVID-free),” NTF Chief Implementer Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. said.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said some companies have also expressed readiness to let their ships be used as quarantine vessels. The Eva Macapagal Terminal in Pier 15 will also be converted to a treatment facility.
Meanwhile, the PCG will use the new BRP Gabriela Silang to aid in COVID-19 government response. The ship will deliver relief goods and medical supplies to various parts of the country.
The presidential yacht BRP Ang Pangulo is also ready to accept suspected COVID-19 patients. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier ordered the Philippine Navy to convert the vessel into a quarantine ship.
The ship is currently in Davao and can accommodate 28 patients and five medical personnel.
